Warning: This media release contains details of a criminal investigation involving the physical abuse of a child and information in the below may contain content that is confronting, disturbing and distressing.
A 28-year-old Coombabah man has been charged with rape and child sex offences after being arrested in Edens Landing yesterday, 6 December.
Detectives from Argos conducted an investigation into the distribution of child exploitation material resulting in the man's arrest, which was assisted by POLAIR and the Logan District Criminal Investigation Branch.
The 28-year-old Coombabah man was charged with three counts of rape, four counts of indecently dealing with a child under 16, one count of distributing child exploitation material and two counts of indecent acts.
He was expected to appear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court yesterday, 7 January.
Detective Acting Inspector Scott Ballantyne from the Child Abuse and Sexual Crime Group's Argos unit said the identification of victim children and their removal from harm was the most significant outcome for investigators.
"This arrest demonstrates the Queensland Police Service's unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable children and holding offenders to account, no matter where they are," Detective Acting Inspector Ballantyne said.
"Police and our partner agencies share intelligence daily to identify those who attempt to hide behind online platforms they believe offer anonymity."
"Every online action leaves a trace, and our detectives will pursue every lead to ensure offenders are identified and brought before the courts."
The Queensland Police Service is committed to keeping communities safe and holding perpetrators to account. Parents and caregivers can learn more about keeping children safer by accessing the following resources:
Resources and advice
- www.danielslaw.qld.gov.au The Queensland Police Service (QPS) welcomes the introduction of Daniel's Law, a significant new measure designed to enhance community safety and give parents and carers greater access to information about certain reportable child sex offenders. Daniel's Law gives Queenslanders another important tool to help keep young people safe. It complements education, supervision and other protective measures that together help build a safer Queensland. It empowers parents, carers and community members with greater awareness so they can make informed decisions to help safeguard children in their lives.
- Who's chatting to your kids? Further QPS advice and information about reducing online risks for children.
- Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) The ACCCE brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into online child sexual exploitation and developing prevention strategies focused on creating a safer online environment.
- eSafety Commissioner a key partner of the QPS in enhancing online safety, with a comprehensive suite of information, resources and reporting tools to ensure children have a safe experience online.
- Out of the dark #doiknowu a campaign by the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) supported by the QPS and Department of Education, providing resources to help young people stay safe online.
Think U Know is a partnership between Australian Federal Police, Commonwealth Bank, Datacom, Microsoft, State and Territory Police and Neighbourhood Watch. It provides information on topics including sexting, cyber bullying, online child exploitation, online privacy, and what to do when something goes wrong.
If you've experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.
If there's an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). You can also report online via: https://forms.police.qld.gov.au/launch/SexualAssault, over the phone or face to face at a police station.
There are also Alternative Reporting Options available depending on your situation.
For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.
